Member Article

£300 million North Tyneside PFI housing project gets go-ahead

A £300 million private finance initiative project to deliver sheltered housing in North Tyneside has got the go-ahead.

The project will deliver more than 900 apartments for rent to over 60s, across ten new and 16 refurbished sheltered housing schemes.

The first phase will be four new build schemes at Bristol Drive, Battle Hill; Chapelville, Seaton Burn; Crummock Court, Howdon and Rosebery Court, Monkseaton.

There are also five refurbishment schemes at Eccles Court, Backworth; Fernlea, Annitsford; Rudyerd Court, North Shields; Feetham Court, Forest Hall and Rosebank Hall, Howdon.

Work will take place over the next three years.

Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, who has sent a personal letter to every tenant to inform them of the news, said: “I am delighted that after so long we can eventually say to our tenants that this project will happen and they will have lovely new homes in the near future.

“This is one of the biggest schemes in the country and will make a real difference for our older people by transforming and revitalising retirement living available for rent in North Tyneside.

“Tenants will be able to enjoy a modern home with its own front door, and live in accommodation that is designed to the latest standards so they can continue to live independently, even if their needs change in the future.”

The scheme to modernise North Tyneside’s sheltered housing accommodation will be delivered by Solutions 4 North Tyneside – a consortium consisting of Equitix and Miller Construction.

Miller will also be providing construction services and Lovell Respond will be responsible for the long term maintenance. Together they will provide around 500 jobs as the construction gets underway.

Cllr. John Harrison added: “We were determined to make sure that all our older people have modern, appropriate homes that were fit for them to live in not just today, but also tomorrow if their health needs changed.

“There have been so many challenges put in the way to getting the homes they deserve, but now we have eventually got sign off from the government, the money is in place, and planning permission is all in place. We can say to our residents – it’s a reality and you are going to have the homes you deserve and have waited so patiently for.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .